Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of major economic and infrastructure agreements aimed at accelerating Syria’s post-war reconstruction and strengthening bilateral ties, marking one of the most significant rounds of cooperation between the two countries in recent years. Officials said the deals span aviation, telecommunications, energy, and development projects, with billions of dollars expected to flow into key sectors of the Syrian economy.
The agreements include the launch of a joint low-cost airline designed to improve regional and international connectivity. Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said the carrier will operate as a Syrian-Saudi partnership and is intended to expand affordable air travel while supporting trade, tourism, and business activity. Plans also call for the construction of a new international airport in Aleppo alongside the redevelopment and modernization of the city’s existing facility, part of broader efforts to restore critical infrastructure damaged during years of conflict.
A central component of the cooperation is a $1 billion telecommunications initiative known as the SilkLink project. Syrian Telecommunications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal said the program will focus on upgrading digital infrastructure, expanding connectivity, and modernizing networks nationwide. Authorities view the telecom investment as essential to rebuilding public services and encouraging private sector growth in areas such as technology, commerce, and education.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih announced the creation of a dedicated investment fund to support large-scale projects in Syria, with participation from private companies. He described the arrangements as steps toward building a long-term strategic partnership that supports sustainable development and economic stability. In addition to aviation and telecom, the agreements cover water desalination and other development initiatives intended to improve living conditions and support basic services.
For years, Syria struggled to attract foreign investment due to international sanctions and political uncertainty. The lifting of remaining U.S. sanctions late last year has opened the door for renewed economic engagement, enabling Damascus to pursue reconstruction financing more actively. Officials say the latest deals are part of a broader strategy to revive the economy and restore essential infrastructure across the country.
Recent months have seen a steady rise in investment commitments. Riyadh pledged billions of dollars earlier this year for rebuilding projects across infrastructure and telecommunications, while additional agreements have been signed in transport, real estate, and energy exploration. Preliminary talks with international energy companies are also underway to assess offshore oil and gas opportunities.
Syrian authorities say the focus remains on sectors that directly affect daily life, emphasizing that modern infrastructure, improved connectivity, and new investment are critical pillars for long-term recovery and economic growth.
